Apivar Miticide Application Instructions for Treatments of Varroa Mites on Honey Bees in Bee Hives

Apivar (trademark) is a newly approved miticide for the treatment of varroa mites which parasitize hives of honey bees. While newly approved in the United States, the active ingredient in Apivar, a chemical known as amitraz, is not new.

Amitraz, in various forms and formulations, has been used by beekeepers in a variety of ways and methods we euphemistically call, “off-label.” That term, “off-label,” means the treatment of honey bees was not listed on the label as an approved practice, which is another nice way of stating that using amitraz formulations was illegal, at least in the United States.

However, because it proved effective, many beekeepers used amitraz despite the illegality of such practices.

Apivar has now received an approved status and is now commercially available to most beekeepers through the major suppliers of beekeeping supplies. Check with your supplier to insure the strips are available to you in your state. Not every state has been approved.